This comforting one-pot meal brings together tender pasta, savory ground turkey, and fresh spinach in a creamy, flavorful sauce. It’s quick, hearty, and perfect for busy weeknights plus, there’s minimal cleanup since everything cooks in just one pan!
Ingredients
- 12 ounces penne or rotini
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups fresh spinach
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, with juices
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Optional: fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Warm olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté the onion for 3–4 minutes until soft and translucent. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
- Add ground turkey, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook 5–7 minutes until browned and fully cooked. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Stir in diced tomatoes with their juices and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then add pasta. Stir to ensure it’s submerged.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Stir in fresh spinach until wilted, about 2–3 minutes. Remove from heat and mix in Parmesan until creamy.
- Serve hot, garnished with basil if desired.
Variation
- Substitute ground turkey with ground chicken or lean ground beef for a slightly different flavor.
- Use kale, arugula, or Swiss chard instead of spinach for a heartier green.
- Try adding a splash of cream or a dollop of ricotta cheese at the end for a richer, creamier sauce.
Cooking Notes
- Be sure to stir occasionally while the pasta cooks to prevent sticking at the bottom of the pot.
- If the pasta absorbs liquid too quickly, add an extra ½ cup of broth or water until tender.
- Season gradually taste the broth before finishing and adjust salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning as needed.
Serving Suggestions
- Top with freshly grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano for extra flavor.
- Pair with a crisp side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
- Garnish with fresh basil, parsley, or red pepper flakes for a pop of freshness and color.
Tips
- For more protein, add a can of drained white beans or chickpeas along with the pasta.
- To make it kid-friendly, use smaller pasta shapes like macaroni or shells.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days add a splash of broth when reheating to keep it creamy.
Prep Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 380
- Protein: 26 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, short pastas like rotini, penne, shells, or even rigatoni work well in this recipe. -
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can cook it ahead and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of broth to loosen the sauce. -
Is it possible to make this vegetarian?
Absolutely skip the turkey and add extra spinach, mushrooms, or a can of beans for plant-based protein. -
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, though the pasta texture may soften slightly when reheated. Store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.
Conclusion
This One-Pot Pasta with Ground Turkey & Spinach is the perfect mix of comfort, convenience, and flavor. With tender pasta, seasoned turkey, and fresh greens all cooked together in a single pot, cleanup is a breeze. It’s a weeknight dinner that feels hearty yet wholesome sure to be a staple in your recipe rotation.
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One-Pot Pasta with Ground Turkey & Spinach
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This comforting one-pot meal brings together tender pasta, savory ground turkey, and fresh spinach in a creamy, flavorful sauce. It’s quick, hearty, and perfect for busy weeknights plus, there’s minimal cleanup since everything cooks in just one pan!
Ingredients
- 12 ounces penne or rotini
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups fresh spinach
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, with juices
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Optional: fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Warm olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté the onion for 3–4 minutes until soft and translucent. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
- Add ground turkey, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook 5–7 minutes until browned and fully cooked. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Stir in diced tomatoes with their juices and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then add pasta. Stir to ensure it’s submerged.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Stir in fresh spinach until wilted, about 2–3 minutes. Remove from heat and mix in Parmesan until creamy.
- Serve hot, garnished with basil if desired.
Notes
- Swap in whole wheat or gluten-free pasta to suit your diet.
- If you like spice, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes with the Italian seasoning.
- Leftovers reheat well just add a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, One-Pot Meals
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American / Italian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion (out of 4)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 13 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 26 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
Keywords: one-pot pasta, ground turkey pasta, spinach pasta, weeknight dinner